Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.

I was born in Chicago Illinois, came here at the age of 1 and was Raised in the 19th Ward. I went to Freddie Thomas High School (Class of 2012) and spent one year in MCC.

What inspired you to be an artist/entertainer? Early experiences worth sharing?

My mother, and My brother (closest friend) Devonne “Dice” Parris. Devonne was an aspiring rapper, and he got me into it… When I started, my first full song was a song written about the absence of my mother who I hadn’t met until last year.

My earliest memory stretches back to age 6 when I told my distant mother asked me what I wanted to be, I said an actor.

Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.

When I look at the word “triumph” I think of victory, overcoming, or vanquishing something. And based off of that, I honestly can’t see anything in my life that Triumphed, I’ve been through some things(child abuse, bullying, depression) and I’ve had small victories, I’ve reached milestones( like meeting my mother after 22 years) but I don’t feel like I’ve triumphed. Maybe I’m looking at a smaller picture.

What do you believe sets you apart from other artists/entertainers?

I don’t know… I don’t want to compare myself, what sets me apart is that my purpose is different from others, and everyone has their own. I know I was blessed with a willingness to be vulnerable with my own stories, and life experiences, and being able to empower others with that. Idk if that sets me apart though. I don’t like to compete, Andre 3000 said he doesn’t wake up trying to be the best rapper ever, he wakes trying to be the best Andre he can be, and that’s where I am as well… although… that “Chi The Great” personality is a very competitive cocky, and arrogant side of me that still longs to be the best haha.

Do you have other interests or hobbies?

I’m interested in fitness, I was once on my way to becoming a gym junkie, but I lost some dedication when my home gym closed. I love biking, and Community service and volunteer work… I love working with the youth. Mostly I just do my music and poetry, but For now I’m interested in finding more interests.

Any projects you have out or currently working on?

On March 20th 2016 I released my debut mixtape “Chi The Great… or the God” which was created to capture my confidence and arrogance through lyrics, and challenging others in my field. I sold out twice, using the money to buy a ticket to meet my mom, but it’s available on Spinrilla! Now I’m working on my EP, “Ventilation Vol. 1”. Which is a direct look into my life, expressing my vulnerability in my music for the first time, basically Ventilation is my audio Diary. I have no set release date, but it WILL be 2017.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I would like to see myself with a strong reliable team, and maybe in a new city/state. I would like to have seen success with my two current projects that I’m working on, and perhaps have maybe 3 more by that time. I would love to be at a place where I’m touring, and performing around the country, and to have at least performed out of the country once or be able to see in the near future. I would like to see myself married, and possibly working on a child With STABILITY!

What advice can you give to aspiring artists/entertainers?

“All I Know Is Grind” never stop grinding, and continue to grow, not just artistically but, mentally and spiritually. Keep an open mind, and be assertive! Network network network! Your social media is important! But get to know your community, connect with as many people as you can, remember, it’s not always what you know, but who you know! Be real, and be you! Stay true to yourself, and lastly, use your past, and recycle it, then use it as fuel for your future.

How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?

I encourage everyone to follow me! Talk to me! And stay in contact, I move a lot, and I have a short attention span, But I LOVE to let people know what I’m doing, and where to find me, I want my supporters to be like family, NOT just fans.

Talker of the Town is a continuation of conversations begun in three Democratic Chronicle blogs: Make City Schools Better, Unite Rochester and the Editorial Board.
Since February 2013, urban education has been the primary focus. Now, the flowering of topics is limited only by our imaginations.

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